Microsoft Alleged Bribery Probe Extends To Russia And Pakistan

It was reported back in March that Microsoft was being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice over claims of bribery in foreign countries. Back then it was claimed that Microsoft’s partners had allegedly bribed government officials in foreign countries to win software contracts, it was also reportedly being probed over relationships with certain resellers and consultants in China, Italy and Romania. The claims were thought to have been made by an ex-Microsoft employee based in China.The Wall Street Journal reports today that Microsoft’s business partners based in Pakistan and Russia are now being investigated over these very claims.

The report says that an anonymous tipster told Microsoft that its partners in Russia were allegedly offering kickbacks to executives of a state-owned company for securing a deal. It further claims that a tipster in Pakistan alleged that Microsoft had authorized a consulting firm to pay for a government official’s trip to Egypt with his wife, just to win a tender. Microsoft hasn’t released any comment on the investigation, but has said that it takes all allegations seriously. Both the Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice have not yet commented on the progress of this investigation.